RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide

Taryell Simmons
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

RISE Urban Nation is more than a podcast—it’s a cultural media platform dedicated to amplifying Black and Pan-African voices across the diaspora. Hosted by Taryell Simmons, the show brings together entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are rewriting the narrative of success in real time. At its core, RISE Urban Nation exists to unite our untold stories, uplift voices that have too often been overlooked or erased, and ignite ideas and communities into action. Through powerful storytelling and real conversations, we are not just sharing stories—we are reclaiming narrative power and preserving Black history as it’s being made. Born from a mission to close the visibility gap in mainstream media, this platform creates space for those building, leading, and creating impact—often without the recognition they deserve. Each episode offers both inspiration and insight, blending lived experience with practical strategies to help listeners amplify their voice, grow their influence, and turn their story into opportunity. From San Diego to cities across the globe, RISE Urban Nation connects the diaspora through stories that remind us: representation is not just about being seen—it’s about being valued, respected, and heard. If you’re ready to turn your voice into impact, your story into visibility, and your purpose into action—this is your platform. Unite. Uplift. Ignite.

  1. Radical Self Love: Empowering Black Youth for Success with Teri Thompson

    20h ago

    Radical Self Love: Empowering Black Youth for Success with Teri Thompson

    Bio:  With a legal career spanning three decades, Teri Lee Thompson has carved a distinguished career as a federal criminal defense attorney in high-stakes capital cases, adjunct professor, and associate magistrate court judge. But Teri’s impact stretches far beyond her courtroom. She is an author and the owner of ZELLA PUBLISHING, an independent producer of books, audiobooks, and digital content. As a writer, Teri produces powerful collections that address culture and diversity. She is the creative force behind the children’s book series, the Adventures of Kai, that ocuses on self-esteem in Black children. She is the author of Kinky, Curly, Mine, Sun-Kissed, and Princess Locs. Her nonprofit, JUSTICE REDEFINED, furthers her mission to inspire girls and teens to overcome challenges and achieve all that they can.  Her program, IMAGINE ME, serves girls between ages six and nine, and focuses on reading and technology. Her program, G.L.O., which stands for Grow, Lead, Overcome, is designed for preteen and teen girls, and empowers them to realize their full potential by enhancing their reading, technology, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills to lay the groundwork for future success. Each facet of JUSTICE REDEFINED provides comprehensive mental health resources. Resources & Mentions: Website: https://www.girlswhorise.com Zella Publishing Justice Redefined Programs The Adventures of Kai Book Series Credits: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Teri Thompson Production: RISE Urban Nation Music: Will Maker   🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    1h 7m
  2. Your Experience Pays: Stevii Mills on Turning Knowledge Into Income

    Jun 24

    Your Experience Pays: Stevii Mills on Turning Knowledge Into Income

    Description Many Black and African entrepreneurs possess powerful knowledge and lived experience but have been taught to only use those gifts within traditional jobs or business structures. In this conversation, Stevii Mills explains how entrepreneurs can package their expertise into coaching programs, digital products, workshops, and other income-generating opportunities. This episode explores visibility, ownership, storytelling, and the power of turning what you already know into a scalable business.   Bio Dr. Stevii Aisha Mills is a Visibility Coach and Strategist with over 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations and 16 years as an entrepreneur. She helps high achieving professionals turn their knowledge and expertise into income generating opportunities so they can increase their impact and live the life they love. A two time six figure business owner, author, and podcast host, Dr. Stevii has been featured on major platforms including BET, CBS, FOX, and ABC. Through her work and community, The Permission Slip Club, she empowers others to confidently step into visibility, monetize their experience, and get paid for what they already know.   Resources & Mentions Connect with Stevii Mills Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevii.mills Website: www.stevii.com   Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Stevii Mills Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    53 min
  3. Who Deserves a Second Chance? Keith Wattley on Justice, Healing & Defending the People Society Gives Up On

    Jun 10

    Who Deserves a Second Chance? Keith Wattley on Justice, Healing & Defending the People Society Gives Up On

    Keith Wattley, attorney, Obama Foundation Fellow, and Founder & Executive Director of UnCommon Law, joins RISE Urban Nation to discuss criminal justice reform, second chances, and the humanity of incarcerated people serving life sentences. With more than 25 years of experience advocating for people in prison and on parole, Keith shares how healing-centered and trauma-informed legal advocacy can create pathways for accountability, transformation, and safe reentry into society. This powerful conversation explores redemption, storytelling, parole reform, and why some of the people society finds hardest to defend are often those most in need of hope and healing. About Keith Wattley Keith Wattley is the Founder and Executive Director of UnCommon Law. He has spent more than two decades advocating for the rights of incarcerated people and those on parole. His work focuses on helping individuals demonstrate personal transformation and successfully navigate California’s parole process. In addition to individual advocacy, Keith has trained hundreds of attorneys and law students and has led efforts to improve prison and parole conditions through impact litigation. Keith was selected as an inaugural Obama Foundation Fellow in 2018 and received the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award in 2020. Resources & Mentions 🌐 Websitehttps://www.uncommonlaw.org/ 👤 Keith Wattleyhttps://www.uncommonlaw.org/keith-wattley 📱 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/uncommonlawyer/ 📘 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/UnCommonLaw/ 💼 LinkedIn (Organization)https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncommon-law/ 💼 LinkedIn (Keith Wattley)https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-wattley-44050034/ 📺 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8K93TWilSZeD8QYVp20Kiw 📧 Email:info@uncommonlaw.org   Celebrating 20 Years of UnCommon Law Learn more about UnCommon Law’s 20th Anniversary storytelling and event series, including: Film screenings Educational webinars Community conversations Annual conference 🔗 20th Anniversary Page https://www.uncommonlaw.org/20th-anniversary Call for Speakers UnCommon Law is currently accepting proposals from mission-driven leaders and organizations interested in presenting at the 20th Anniversary Conference. Proposal Deadline: June 15 🔗 Submit a Proposal https://www.uncommonlaw.org/20th-conference Episode Contributors Host: Taryell SimmonsGuest: Keith WattleyMusic: Will MakerProduction: RISE Urban Nation Media 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    1h 6m
  4. Purpose Over Profit: Mo Cisse on Building a Sustainable Fashion Legacy

    Jun 4

    Purpose Over Profit: Mo Cisse on Building a Sustainable Fashion Legacy

    Mo Cisse, founder and CEO of Meraki Allure, joins RISE Urban Nation to share his journey of building a sustainable luxury fashion brand that prioritizes quality, purpose, and environmental responsibility. In an industry driven by fast fashion, Mo chose a different path—focusing on made-to-order clothing, ethical manufacturing, and environmental impact. This episode dives into entrepreneurship, sustainability, and how to build a brand that reflects your values while creating lasting change.   Resources & Mentions 🌐 Website: https://www.MerakiAllure.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merakiallure/ 🌱 Environmental Partner: https://www.edenproject.com/mission   Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Mo Cisse Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    1h 2m
  5. Built for Women on the Go: How Melody Shari Turned Passion into a Multi-Million-Dollar Beauty Brand

    Jun 1

    Built for Women on the Go: How Melody Shari Turned Passion into a Multi-Million-Dollar Beauty Brand

    What happens when efficiency meets effectiveness? Melody Shari built Seventh Avenue Beauty for women on the go—creating skincare and beauty products that deliver results with minimal time. In this episode, learn how Melody leveraged authentic marketing, community connection, and product clarity to expand across skincare, body, haircare, kids, cosmetics, and apparel—without losing balance or purpose. MELODY SHARI RODGERS   Dr. Melody Shari Rodgers is a multi-millionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist who has continued to establish a large national fan base in the millions due to her style, resilience, vibrant personality, and her prowess in business, fashion, beauty and real estate. As a star on the popular show Love & Marriage: Huntsville, the mother of four has taken people through her journey and challenges, showing how she has overcome life's obstacles to emerge bigger and better. A woman who is always inspired to action, Melody is currently teaching master classes in real estate and business, making her mark in fashion through her electric women's collection with celebrity stylist J. Bolin, trending in the beauty industry with her skin care line Seventh Avenue Beauty. In March, Melody was honored at the inaugural Goli Gala hosted by Goli Nutrition and TikTok for "Best Celebrity Shoppable Live." Additionally, she recently became the first Reality TV star to have ownership in a Network, with the launch of Nubian TV, and she won the Silver Award for Best Reality Series at the 46th Annual Telly Awards for the show Charnita's World.  Melody prides herself on effectively leveraging the power of relationships, and coupling that with her fierce drive, work ethic, and desire to make an impact in the lives of others. She serves as the chair of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce in her hometown, and is an advisor to the College of Business and Public Affairs at her alma mater, Alabama A&M University. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Melody fully embraces the call to excellence, and exemplifies what it means to truly be a servant leader.   Website: https://seventhavenuebeauty.net/ Instagram:https://seventhavenuebeauty.net/ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@melodyshari11 TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@seventhavenuebeauty 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    37 min
  6. Relentless Excellence: Phillip Hogan on Marketing, Mastery & Building a Legacy That Lasts

    May 19

    Relentless Excellence: Phillip Hogan on Marketing, Mastery & Building a Legacy That Lasts

    Phillip Hogan, CEO of Signing Services of America and author of Relentless Excellence, returns to RISE Urban Nation to share powerful insights on building a marketing strategy that drives real connection and results. This episode explores entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership, and how to turn life’s toughest challenges into a foundation for lasting success.     Resources & Mentions 🌐 Website: https://www.philliphogan.com 📘 Book: Relentless Excellence 🎙️ Podcast: Closing Market Weekly   Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Phillip Hogan Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    1h 23m
  7. Raising Our Kings: How Anya Owensbrown Turned Fear Into a Movement

    May 5

    Raising Our Kings: How Anya Owensbrown Turned Fear Into a Movement

    OUR KINGS was born from grief, fear, and love — and grew into a movement. In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, Anya Owensbrown shares the powerful story behind OUR KINGS, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the brilliance of Black boys and supporting the families raising them. From Mommy & King to Kings to Kings, this conversation explores community, belonging, identity, and what it truly means to raise Kings in today’s world. Anya bio:  I’m Anya Owensbrown — an early childhood educator, a mom of five, and the founder of OUR KINGS. This work started from something real: looking at my own sons and realizing the world didn’t always see them the way I do. I noticed there was a gap — no one was pouring into our boys early, during those critical years from birth to 13. So I created OUR KINGS. We celebrate, support, and uplift Black boys from the beginning. We build a village around them — one that shows them they’re worthy of joy, protection, and a strong foundation. We do this by partnering with schools and community organizations, running in-school programs, and offering yearly membership options that keep our boys connected, engaged, and growing, building a strong brotherhood and an united village. And when we say KINGS, we mean it: Kind, Intelligent, Noble, Gifted Sons of Queens and Kings. THAT’S WHO THEY ARE— and that’s how we treat them. Because I’m a mother, I understand how important it is to have a village, so we have created a just that by supporting families by giving them the tools and knowledge to advocate for their sons — especially when navigating health care, the education system, or the justice system. Because strong boys need strong support, and no parent should have to figure it out alone. This isn’t just a nonprofit — it’s a movement grounded in love and built for real impact. We start young, stay consistent, and never let them forget how powerful they are. That Black boy joy is real and they deserve every bit of it Media:  Website: Ourkings.org  Instagram: ourkingsanonprofit  TikTok: ourkingsanonprofit  Facebook: OUR KINGS  email: anya@ourkings.org (inquiries sponsorships ) Info@ourkings.org ( volunteer, collaborations, partnership opportunities)  BBJOY to 53555 to donate    Resources & Links: 🌐 Website: https://ourkings.org 📧 Contact: anya@ourkings.org Credits: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Anya Owensbrown Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation   🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    51 min
  8. Black Bliss & Building Beyond the Classroom: R. Preston Clark on Storytelling, Mentorship & Narrative Power

    Apr 21

    Black Bliss & Building Beyond the Classroom: R. Preston Clark on Storytelling, Mentorship & Narrative Power

    How do you create a career in education beyond institutional walls? R. Preston Clark joins RISE Urban Nation to discuss his book Black Bliss Volume 1, the emotional complexity of Black male storytelling, and how creators can use social media and podcasting to control their narrative. This conversation explores mentorship, literature, identity, and building platforms that shape culture. Resources & Mentions: 📘 Get the book:Black Bliss Volume 1 👉 rprestonclark.com 📚 Club FBS — Book Club & Mentorship for Black Males Episode Contributors: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: R. Preston Clark Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    1h 6m
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About

RISE Urban Nation is more than a podcast—it’s a cultural media platform dedicated to amplifying Black and Pan-African voices across the diaspora. Hosted by Taryell Simmons, the show brings together entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are rewriting the narrative of success in real time. At its core, RISE Urban Nation exists to unite our untold stories, uplift voices that have too often been overlooked or erased, and ignite ideas and communities into action. Through powerful storytelling and real conversations, we are not just sharing stories—we are reclaiming narrative power and preserving Black history as it’s being made. Born from a mission to close the visibility gap in mainstream media, this platform creates space for those building, leading, and creating impact—often without the recognition they deserve. Each episode offers both inspiration and insight, blending lived experience with practical strategies to help listeners amplify their voice, grow their influence, and turn their story into opportunity. From San Diego to cities across the globe, RISE Urban Nation connects the diaspora through stories that remind us: representation is not just about being seen—it’s about being valued, respected, and heard. If you’re ready to turn your voice into impact, your story into visibility, and your purpose into action—this is your platform. Unite. Uplift. Ignite.

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